This summer, instead of playing in traffic with long road trips to expensive theme parks, parents can find that just as much fun can be had at home. While it is not an exact substitute for the thrills of roller coasters and the high of a cotton candy lunch, children can be equally entertained for much less.
For parents who feel guilty being away so often, lavishing one's children seems only fair to compensate for the absence, but the truth is that children are just as happy spending time with their parents doing things that cost little, or no money.
The Story of Orion Can be Great Entertainment
Star gazing is a great activity for parents and children. Currently, and until late July, viewers in the northern hemisphere can see Jupiter and Neptune just one degree apart, only to be distinguished with a high power telescope. Additionally, the constellation of Orion, "the hunter" is always very conspicuous in the night sky.
While telling the story of all the various myths behind Orion, parents can give a great lesson on the universe and where planets are located. In explaining how Jupiter and Neptune are in line with each other, parents can also explain how they are millions of miles apart from one another, deepening their child's sense of the world in which they live.
When the distance between the planets is described, a great way to explain the astronomical size of the number is to explain it in a distance they have some grasp of, such as how many times the family can drive to grandma's house in that distance. This activity can be a fun way to incorporate education into summer fun.
But be wary during these summer months. A couple of humans lounging in the evening grass can make a great feast for the local mosquito or gnat population. Those that live in areas where biting bugs live should use an adequate amount of repellent.
Obstacles Races are Good Exercise and Fun for all
Families who prefer a bit more sport and competition can get creative in their backyard by taking turns creating obstacle courses for timed races.
Rather than the parents manage the entire event, the children can take turns measuring the times, logging them, and adding up the points (if a point system is established).
When it is over and the scores are tallied, the winner can claim whatever prize is awarded, whether it is a yogurt-lid gold medal, deciding what movie they get to watch, or staying up an extra half hour.
Library Fun Packs are Great for Younger Children
Many local libraries have fun packs with themes and games. A police pack may have a few books about police officers and maybe a doll or puppet set.
These fun packs can be used for a full day of entertainment, especially with younger children. Reading books together are a great way to bond, and the puppets can be used for the child to reiterate the lessons in the stories.
One important thing to remember is that some of the packs can have up to twenty items in them. Families that tend to use packs like these for a day or two and then forget about them should return them just as quickly. Otherwise, some of the toys and books can easily get mixed into the child's things, and this free fun idea can become undesirably expensive.
The most important thing to remember when having fun this summer is that it does not have to cost a lot of money, and, in some cases, doesn't have to cost any money. The most coveted gift most children are looking to receive from busy parents is time together.
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